WHAT’S ON
OPENING PARADE
Art Competition to design the
BEAST OF BASINGSTOKE
Scratch Built Productions in collaboration with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, are launching an art competition to design the new Beast of Basingstoke.
Liverpool have the Liverbird, Wales and London have a Dragon, Scotland has a Unicorn and a Loch Ness Monster. What do we have?
The competition is open to everyone, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved. What will your creature look like? Will your beast be scaly, furry or spiky? How will it protect the people of Basingstoke?
Whether you prefer paint or pen, entries can be drawn or written and the incredible local puppet maker, Nick Ash, will bring the winning design to life.
We can’t wait to see the incredible ideas that come forward and we look forward to introducing the Basingstoke Beast to you at the Opening Parade on Friday 19 June.
ENTRY FORM and TERMS AND CONDITIONS below any issues just email hello@scratchbuiltproductions
Get creative @
The parade club
We need your hands to help us build the magic. Sign up to join our Parade Club as we prepare for the town's most vibrant celebration of art and culture. We will be based at the Creative Emporium in Festival Place, Upper level near That Gallery.
MON 15th June: 5-7.30pm
TUES 16th June: 3.30-6pm
WEDS 17th June: 3.30-6pm
THURS 18th: 5-9pm
FRI 19th: 2-5pm Parade starts at 5.30
19th June
The parade of The Mythical Beasts
Join us in the parade of Mythical Beasts as we celebrate the uniqueness of being just a little bit different!
From the glittery horn of the unicorn to the fiery spirit of the Phoenix, there’s a place for every misfit, dreamer and wanna be hero. Come and join us… it’s time to let your inner magic shine.
DATE: Friday 19 June 2026
TIME: Parade starts at 5:30 PM
MEETING POINT: Outside Willows coffee shop and Willis Museum
PARADE END: Amphitheatre near Vue Cinema
WHAT TO WEAR?: Anything animal themed… Unleash your inner beast!
FREE performances for the whole family at the end of the parade
SEE YOU THERE!
Adult's only Parade Club Head dress workshop
Get ready to turn heads at the upcoming Basingstoke Festival parade! In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the world of costume building to design and create a custom, high-impact foam headdress.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NOT BE MAKING THE FOAM WIGS IN THE PICTURE (SORRY)
Skill Level: Beginner Adult Workshop (18+)
Focus: Structural design and construction
Outcome: A completed, wearable headdress which we will keep so it is ready for the June 19th festivities.
Important Safety Note
This workshop is strictly for adults. No previous experience is required, but a steady hand and a creative spirit are highly recommended!
The workshop wil include all materials.
Space is strictly limited to ensure everyone gets hands-on guidance so a ticket is essential.
It is free to attend however if you would like to donate to Scratch Built Theatre CIC it will allow us to continue doing crazy workshops like this one!
Adult's only Parade Club Giant wing workshop
CREATIVE HUB FOR GROWN UPS Giant Wing Workshop
Fri 15 May 2026 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Festival Place, The Creative Emporium, RG21 7BA
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Prepare for the parade by learning the foundational skills of costume making
Collaboratively we will create a whole flock of a truly spectacular costumes for the Basingstoke Festivals opening parade on June 19th.
This workshop is free to attend but if you make a donation it means that Scratch Built Theatre CIC can continue to do what they do!
Location
Festival Place, The Creative Emporium, RG21 7BA
Adult's only Parade Club Sparkly head wrap workshop
Get ready to turn heads at the upcoming Basingstoke Festival parade! In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the world of costume building to design and create a custom, high-impact foam headdress.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NOT BE MAKING THE FOAM WIGS IN THE PICTURE (SORRY)
Skill Level: Beginner Adult Workshop (18+)
Focus: Structural design and construction
Outcome: A completed, wearable headdress which we will keep so it is ready for the June 19th festivities.
Important Safety Note
This workshop is strictly for adults. No previous experience is required, but a steady hand and a creative spirit are highly recommended!
The workshop wil include all materials.
Space is strictly limited to ensure everyone gets hands-on guidance so a ticket is essential.
It is free to attend however if you would like to donate to Scratch Built Theatre CIC it will allow us to continue doing crazy workshops like this one!
PARADE CLUB
Pop in and help build giant puppets for the Festival Parade!
MON 15th June: 5-7.30pm
TUES 16th Jun: 3.30-6pm
WEDS 17th June: 3.30-6pm
THURS 18th: 5-9pm
FRI 19th: 2-5pm
Parade starts at 5.30
Pop up Makers market
A pop up makers market in the heart of Basingstoke’s festival place. Get in touch about becoming a vendor
Breakfast with Father Christmas + Christmas show experience
Enjoy a delicious themed continental breakfast before joining the 11am performance of The Christmas Dragon.
THE CHRISTMAS DRAGON
THE CHRISTMAS DRAGON is the brand new immersive Christmas show from Scratchbuilt productions and Proteus.
The Creative Club
The Creative Club Basingstoke is a place for young artists and their parents to meet, socialise and learn new skills
Twelve Hours
a one-woman play written by local historian Phil Howe, is coming to Festival Place.
The Creative Club
The Creative Club Basingstoke is a place for young artists and their parents to meet, socialise and learn new skills
The Creative Club
The Creative Club Basingstoke is a place for young artists and their parents to meet, socialise and learn new skills
The Magical Market Stall (Lancashire)
A mysterious market stall rolls into town, bringing with it a cast of colourful characters who will stop at nothing to entice you with their extraordinary wares.
Basingstoke Witches
Bring the little monsters along so they can debut their Halloween costumes. The cackling coven will cast their critical eyes and sharp tongues over every creation, we will make sure that are wickedly well prepared for the big day! (Great to get at least two days wear out of that outfit!)
The Magical Market Stall (Basingstoke)
A mysterious market stall rolls into town, bringing with it a cast of colourful characters who will stop at nothing to entice you with their extraordinary wares.